This term means that when writing, a writer should allow his mind to roam freely across the vast universe. It was first put forward by Western Jin scholar Lu Ji (261-303) in his work "The Art of Writing" when describing the thought process governing artistic creation. Lu Ji believes that in conceiving and creating a work of art, an artist should transcend both time and space, like a steed racing to all quarters of the universe or a soul soaring across the skies. When engaging in a creative activity, a writer should turn all his perceptual faculties inward, abandon any distracting thought and focus on the object of his aesthetic contemplation. Thus inspired, the writer will wander off as far as his mind allows, be unconstrained by the limits of time and space, and produce artistic images imbued with imagination. This concept established the basic framework of ancient Chinese art conception theory.

A great writer can embrace all things in the world and view all historical figures in perspective. This is attributable to his self-cultivation, something he cannot simply pass on to others. Ge Hong: Collection of Miscellaneous Stories in the Western Capital

When starting to write an essay, the writer should be free from external sounds and sights and keep his mind focused, and this will allow his thoughts to roam freely across the universe. Lu Ji: The Art of Writing

When writing, the writer may transcend time and space. When he quietly ponders, he may wander off and reach events that occurred a thousand years ago. Even a slight change in his facial expression suggests the writer may have seen, in his mind’s eye, things in the far distance. Liu Xie: The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons